How Cleaning Your Gutters Can Save You Money

Thousands of dollars can be saved by the home and business owner by taking preventative measures. Preventative maintenance and routine check-ups at least twice a year can prevent costly water damage caused by clogged gutter systems. Clogged gutter systems can cause serious damage to a structure. 

When gutter systems are working properly, they collect the water from the roof and direct it through the gutter system and away from the structure. Without proper maintenance, the gutter system will fail and could result in the following:

Foundation Problems

• A clogged gutter system will stop the flow of the water and cause the water to flow back toward the foundation of the structure.


• Heavy rains could then enter the structure through the basement causing water damage. The water can seep into the basement causing damage to the inside. The dampness can then produce toxic molds and mildew. 


• The water can run under the structure and cause damage overtime to the underneath side of the floors and beams of the structure. This can result in costly repairs.

Mold and Mildew

• Molds and mildew can grow and spread along the interior of the structure and can be harmful to humans. This can run into costly repairs to eliminate the toxins.

Insects

• Damp conditions and standing water under a foundation can also attract insects such as termites and mosquitoes. 


• These types of insects thrive in damp and wet conditions. Termites can eat away at the wood material of the building causing serious damage. The destruction caused by termites can go undetected to the owner. The owner will have to hire an exterminator to eliminate the structure of the termites which can be expensive.


• Mosquitoes can also breed and multiply by the hundreds in moist conditions. Mosquitoes can carry disease and be a nuisance when trying to enjoy outdoor activities. There are chemicals on the market to help with the problem of pesky mosquitoes.


• Biologists recommend to slowing the process of breeding by getting rid of any standing water to slow the breeding process. Mosquitoes will lay their larva in water that will protect the eggs until time to hatch. The standing water under a foundation is perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Roof Damage

• Clogged gutters can cause roof damage. The water trapped along the track of the gutter can overflow and leak onto the wood structure of the roof.


• Trapped water can deteriorate the wood trim and decking of the roof. The decking and exterior trim work will require replacing. 


• Neglecting the roof damage can result in serious problems. The weakened wood can cause leaks to the interior of the structure through the attic and eventually cause damage to the interior ceilings. The replacement of the ceilings materials such as ceiling tiles can be pricey.

Exterior Damage to Walls

• Clogged gutters can result in the water leaking down exterior walls and causing damage to materials on the exterior wall of the structure. Exterior siding, brick, rock or wood material can result in water damage.


• Windows located in the exterior walls can be damaged from the leaking water. The water can back up from the clogged gutter and run down the wall along the window frames, which will rot from the moisture.


• The exterior wall and window frame will have to be torn away and replaced with new material. This type of replacement can be costly to the owner.